Open Letter to Lincoln - How I'd Improve the Nautilus

[Jacyte]

Side mirrors that fold down automatically when in reverse. I would really, really, like to see this. I know it's already been mentioned but I hoped to put a bit more emphasis on this very handy feature that I need. Love the car, need the mirrors when backing in, even with the rear camera.

It would be a nice option for sure but would need a fixed location for the side cameras since they are on the mirrors. Could also just have the 360 view disabled when the mirror tilt option is on.

 

[gooberpeas0911]

I haven't had a scenario where the 360 view/rear camera isn't an equal substitution for mirror tilt. I can see the curbs just fine.

 

[Jacyte]

I haven't had a scenario where the 360 view/rear camera isn't an equal substitution for mirror tilt. I can see the curbs just fine.

I agree 99% of the time. There was 1 time though I was excessively close and the 360 camera doesn't have visibility within a few inches of the vehicle. The curb was also granite and light color that was hard to see without a angled view.

 

[swindler]

Side mirrors that fold down automatically when in reverse. I would really, really, like to see this. I know it's already been mentioned but I hoped to put a bit more emphasis on this very handy feature that I need. Love the car, need the mirrors when backing in, even with the rear camera.

Rear camera helps a bit, but 360° camera does the trick, along with the proximity sensors. I agree the directional mirrors help a ton. I used to park at the 1" edge of a concrete pad and seeing that rear wheel slide in was great to have. I wonder if you could set up a second profile with the mirrors down and in and switch to that if you need them?

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[gfdublin]

Rear camera helps a bit, but 360° camera does the trick, along with the proximity sensors. I agree the directional mirrors help a ton. I used to park at the 1" edge of a concrete pad and seeing that rear wheel slide in was great to have. I wonder if you could set up a second profile with the mirrors down and in and switch to that if you need them?

Funny you would mention that it occurred to me on a short trip we took yesterday. Duplicate my settings on button 3 with the exception of turning the mirrors down should work, or so I thought. And mirrors tilting down every time I shift to reverse really isn't needed anyway; it's just in parking situations (the most part).

 

[Gkemp]

1. have same seat control options as my 2007/2009 Lincoln. The base model does not have rotate option (where seat and back move together).
2. Brighter center display. with sunglasses on, it gets dim. The main area for improvement is climate control (fan speed and temp very close together for touch operation)
3. locatable interior fuse box (still have not found it and will get the dealer to show me on next trip)
4. Better manual
5. side view camera when turn signal is on (blind spot on drivers side and existing lane monitoring is useless when merging on interstates). The pillar and head rest block everything.
6. I agree with a post elsewhere that the carpeting seems cheap but not a buying factor. I do not know how well it will last.
7. Brighter puddle lights (Lincoln welcome mat)
8. Better overhead lighting in cargo area
9. illuminated cup holders
10. more upfront on connectivity costs

I had to go out of my way to get a Nautilus without a vista roof. I ended up with a Premier. As a builder said on a remodel job, why put a hole in a perfectly good roof. It seems standard with any package over Premier.

What's right
1. plenty of power (hybrid), fast response
2. ride and low noise
3. good seating position (high up over hood)
4. dash, steering wheel shape, etc. I do not need a lot more widgets
5. adjustable rear seats
6, practical design - no exotic contours along side with simple body lines (seems to be a play area for car makers) that hamper storage, etc.

I found the fuse box - it's hidden to the left of the steering column. You have to remove the vanity cover (7mm bolt and two plastic plugs) and the fuse box cover is below a giant cable cluster mounted to the top of the lid. Impossible to get to the far-left clip (and I tried for an hour). Still haven't got it open, god forbid if anyone ever needs to change a fuse.

 

[jeffcarp]

It seems like we're seeing signs that Ford Lincoln hasn't learned how to be a software company despite adopting Android Automotive. Specifically, it appears that software features are starting to get stratified based on the model year that you have. Simple things like the more modern styling of the 2025 touchscreen background, and the updated clock and weather widgets seem to be tied to a major APIM update. Some dealers won't do APIM updates unless there is a warrantable problem that it fixes.

I sort of expected this from Ford Lincoln but was optimistic that they had figured it out. But after a year of ownership and no real feature updates or material improvements to speak of, I have to say that Ford Lincoln has once again disappointed me in terms of the software. They are squandering the Android Automotive potential and delivering an update experience that is no better than the old Sync experience. I just don't understand why these legacy car companies don't have software figured out yet. While Elon does do rocket science, what Telsa is going with their software can't be rocket science.

 

[Billz]

It seems like we're seeing signs that Ford Lincoln hasn't learned how to be a software company despite adopting Android Automotive. Specifically, it appears that software features are starting to get stratified based on the model year that you have. Simple things like the more modern styling of the 2025 touchscreen background, and the updated clock and weather widgets seem to be tied to a major APIM update. Some dealers won't do APIM updates unless there is a warrantable problem that it fixes.

I sort of expected this from Ford Lincoln but was optimistic that they had figured it out. But after a year of ownership and no real feature updates or material improvements to speak of, I have to say that Ford Lincoln has once again disappointed me in terms of the software. They are squandering the Android Automotive potential and delivering an update experience that is no better than the old Sync experience. I just don't understand why these legacy car companies don't have software figured out yet. While Elon does do rocket science, what Telsa is going with their software can't be rocket science.

Well said. It is obvious to me that this is not a priority for Ford. With all the recalls consuming the Ford/Lincoln team resources they can’t get out of their own way. It’s sad. This is how Tesla is now the #1 selling luxury brand. The diehard HW automotive people thought SW was easy.

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[reconguru]

Despite my fondness for my 2025 Lincoln Nautilus, I do not anticipate significant improvements beyond my current level of satisfaction. Having experienced numerous technical issues with the 2024 version, I was relieved to acquire a vehicle that addresses many of these problems. In comparison to Tesla, there is a notable disparity. Tesla, founded by scientists and managed by the same team, possesses a consistent level of expertise and development. Conversely, Lincoln’s approach is akin to Microsoft IT collaborating with Android’s restricted software, resulting in a lack of impressive performance and security. This security vulnerability stems from a combination of weak links, AT&T, Google, and Android. While it is unrealistic to expect Tesla-level expertise and development from Ford or Lincoln, I am content with my current vehicle.

 

[olderbudweiser]

It seems like we're seeing signs that Ford Lincoln hasn't learned how to be a software company despite adopting Android Automotive. Specifically, it appears that software features are starting to get stratified based on the model year that you have. Simple things like the more modern styling of the 2025 touchscreen background, and the updated clock and weather widgets seem to be tied to a major APIM update. Some dealers won't do APIM updates unless there is a warrantable problem that it fixes.

I sort of expected this from Ford Lincoln but was optimistic that they had figured it out. But after a year of ownership and no real feature updates or material improvements to speak of, I have to say that Ford Lincoln has once again disappointed me in terms of the software. They are squandering the Android Automotive potential and delivering an update experience that is no better than the old Sync experience. I just don't understand why these legacy car companies don't have software figured out yet. While Elon does do rocket science, what Telsa is going with their software can't be rocket science.

Pretty sure the only 2 items Ford does in house (Ford Employees) Transmission software development and Engine specific software development. Everything else goes to the lowest bidder.
If there is someone out there employed by Ford that wants to update this please do.

So it's no surprise when software goes sideways.

 

[angore]

Well Ford had hinted that they will likely outsource engines more. They used Google to reduce in-house software and laid off software people in the last 6 months

 

[Gkemp]

It seems like we're seeing signs that Ford Lincoln hasn't learned how to be a software company despite adopting Android Automotive. Specifically, it appears that software features are starting to get stratified based on the model year that you have. Simple things like the more modern styling of the 2025 touchscreen background, and the updated clock and weather widgets seem to be tied to a major APIM update. Some dealers won't do APIM updates unless there is a warrantable problem that it fixes.

I sort of expected this from Ford Lincoln but was optimistic that they had figured it out. But after a year of ownership and no real feature updates or material improvements to speak of, I have to say that Ford Lincoln has once again disappointed me in terms of the software. They are squandering the Android Automotive potential and delivering an update experience that is no better than the old Sync experience. I just don't understand why these legacy car companies don't have software figured out yet. While Elon does do rocket science, what Telsa is going with their software can't be rocket science.

It would be nice if they would provide an option of 3 to 5 widgets, self-sizing to fit on right side. At minimum they should have 2-3 options for the clock and weather display widgets, and a better display for SiriusXM. On the left side, I wish the info over the map (PRND, coolant temp, etc) was above the speed indicator - like almost every vehicle out there. Having the 2025 hybrid, I would hope for a better efficiency coaching, as well as an indicator of battery status. Google auto should be able to easily fork some of the apps to make them work.

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[olderbudweiser]

Well Ford had hinted that they will likely outsource engines more. They used Google to reduce in-house software and laid off software people in the last 6 months

I'm sure that will work just fine for the consumer. Wonder who's nephew received the contract???

 

[angore]

In 2020, Ford and VW sign contracts for joint projects.

 

[rmarinella]

I apologize if other folks have already pointed out these shortcomings, but I am frustrated with the lack of urgency placed on Lincoln remedying their automobile issues. Before adding features, try fix the things that don't work correctly in your vehicles!

1. The brakes squeak and/or grind. Fix it!
2. The ENTIRE infotainment system has software bugs;
2A. Radio Station Icons sometimes don't appear. Switching center console to radio sometimes helps. Fix it!
2B. Currently playing song Icons sometimes don't appear. Switching center console to radio sometimes helps. Fix it!
2C. Bluetooth sometimes cuts in and out. Switching bluetooth on and off on the phone sometimes helps. Fix it!
2D. Navigation just sometimes loses satellite signal for no apparent reason. Key cycles don't help, a full reset seems the only remedy when this happens. Fix it!
3. "Watch the road" warning sometimes goes beserk. Can't stare any straighter down the road Lincoln. Fix it!
4. "Hold the wheel" warning sometimes goes beserk. Can't pull the wheel out of lane enough to satisfy this darn thing. Fix it!
5. Blue cruise for some reason decides that a hands-free certified road stretch (interstate) in little to no traffic is no longer safe for hands free. Fix it!
6. Audio Source can't be sorted by preference. Really???
7. Radio Station Presets can't be drag and dropped in order of preference. Really???
8. Can't see current software versions. I need to trust that the latest updates are in place because Lincoln says so?
9. Some features regarding radio and other areas don't work correctly because the permissions aren't set up correctly by default. These options: Ask every time, Always allow, Don't allow. We should be able to get in and operate the vehicle, not fix default settings. Fix it!

 

[angore]

5. Blue cruise for some reason decides that a hands-free certified road stretch (interstate) in little to no traffic is no longer safe for hands free. Fix it!

Most every time I have seen this is because it was related to faded or missing lane line markings. Construction areas can really challenge the system.

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[rmarinella]

5. Blue cruise for some reason decides that a hands-free certified road stretch (interstate) in little to no traffic is no longer safe for hands free. Fix it!

Most every time I have seen this is because it was related to faded or missing lane line markings. Construction areas can really challenge the system.

If any of those conditions applied I'd be OK with it, it's just completely random.

 

[David Hooper]

I would like to see a better music player for the USB drive

I would also like to see a way to search the forum threads for a subject.

 

[markfm]

It would be a nice option for sure but would need a fixed location for the side cameras since they are on the mirrors. Could also just have the 360 view disabled when the mirror tilt option is on.

The cameras are attached to the mirror housing, not the mirror itself (they're documented in the WSM). It would be reasonable to have that as an option, for the mirrors themselves to tilt down automatically when the car is placed in R, no impact to what the cameras in the housings can see. Our '17 RX350 does that whenever either right or left mirror has been selected on the mirror control area.

 

[rmarinella]

I apologize if other folks have already pointed out these shortcomings, but I am frustrated with the lack of urgency placed on Lincoln remedying their automobile issues. Before adding features, try fix the things that don't work correctly in your vehicles!

1. The brakes squeak and/or grind. Fix it!
2. The ENTIRE infotainment system has software bugs;
2A. Radio Station Icons sometimes don't appear. Switching center console to radio sometimes helps. Fix it!
2B. Currently playing song Icons sometimes don't appear. Switching center console to radio sometimes helps. Fix it!
2C. Bluetooth sometimes cuts in and out. Switching bluetooth on and off on the phone sometimes helps. Fix it!
2D. Navigation just sometimes loses satellite signal for no apparent reason. Key cycles don't help, a full reset seems the only remedy when this happens. Fix it!
3. "Watch the road" warning sometimes goes beserk. Can't stare any straighter down the road Lincoln. Fix it!
4. "Hold the wheel" warning sometimes goes beserk. Can't pull the wheel out of lane enough to satisfy this darn thing. Fix it!
5. Blue cruise for some reason decides that a hands-free certified road stretch (interstate) in little to no traffic is no longer safe for hands free. Fix it!
6. Audio Source can't be sorted by preference. Really???
7. Radio Station Presets can't be drag and dropped in order of preference. Really???
8. Can't see current software versions. I need to trust that the latest updates are in place because Lincoln says so?
9. Some features regarding radio and other areas don't work correctly because the permissions aren't set up correctly by default. These options: Ask every time, Always allow, Don't allow. We should be able to get in and operate the vehicle, not fix default settings. Fix it!

Brought it in for warranty service. They re-installed all the latest firmware and software, replaced the front rotors and brake pads. There is now a forecast on the weather widget, radio station logos and music art now populating. The hold onto the steering wheel issue hasn't changed, the rest is TBD. We'll see what happens.